Competitive figure skating lessons in London

[Busyworkingma]

Dear Moms
We are relocating from overseas and I am looking for a figure skating school/ classes for my 5 year old in London. She has been part of a sports club in another country for a year, and she loves it. I am not looking for one-off classes but rather a more competitive programme. Where she used to train it involved also ballet, stretching etc. Thanks a lot for your advice!

where in London will you be living? it's a big place!

In the UK the learn to skate programme is called Skate UK and Skate UK star. These are usually taught through group classes but can be done in private skating lessons with a qualified coach. You need to have completed these and join British Ice Skating in order to start competing.

In the UK most competitive skating competitions are either run by British ice skating or local clubs. There have been less events running since covid unfortunately. These are all advertised on the British Ice Skating website.

Your daughter would probably want to join a club and find a coach to get private lessons too if you want to go down a competitive route. 5 is quite young but there are some kids that age competing in national competitions. Other than that you might find that the skate club runs their own competitions. You can find information about clubs on the BIS website too. www.iceskating.org.uk/club-finder

Try your local ice rink. I don't live in London but my local ice rink does ice hockey and figure skating training

Ive been looking into this for DD, and I think the best rink and classes in London is at Queensway.

If you are south of the river, i know that Streatham used to have classes but only because of the girls i volunteer with. No idea on the quality or standard. www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/lambeth/streatham-ice-and-leisure-centre/streatham-ice-rink

Alexandra Palace, Romford, Lee Valley (currently building 2 rinks here to replace old one built in the 80s), Slough & Streatham. Queensway and Sobell are not full size. These are the indoor rinks in and around London. Not sure where you will live so check travel times.

It's lovely that she's doing a sport but she's 5. Let it be fun not more competitive. Far better to do a range of different sports then settle later. I learned at streatham many years ago, but ballet was completely separate

Thanks so much everyone, what an amazing community!
We will be in Kensington, I don't mind travelling a bit for the right place, but I do understand that it will probably mean training at weekends only. I will check put your suggestions.